About

After living in Barcelona for just over 8 years, I’ve become numb to some of the more well-known treasures that surround me: the modernism of l’Eixample, the Sagrada Familia, etc. Quite by accident (by taking side streets to get some shade) I started noticing more and more of these little gems and decided to start archiving them.

Because the canvas is the street, these images are exposed to the elements, cleaning crews and other artists. They are temporary and always changing. Some of these images could be referred to as “damaged goods”. But for me, that’s precisely where their beauty lies, constantly evolving, until they have become something totally different.

This constant state of flux is something we’re experiencing right now in Spain and Europe in general. I imagine some of these examples of street art reflect this reality.

I generally try to post twice a month, but depending on where I am in the academic trimester, that number could go up or down. Expect more in August when I have more time to shoot, write and post. i am also teaching myself Sony video editing software in order to create a music video/slideshow.

I found you via the blog nomination above!!! Oh my goodness – as soon as I saw the title of your blog I almost started crying.
I lived on plaza catalunya last summer with the revolution. I miss it SO much. I then squated with artists all over BCN the rest of the summer… I am wondering if you perhaps also were ever on the plaza last summer, of 2011?
Thank you for this blog. Words can’t describe how happy I am to have found you!!!

Thank YOU for the kind words. In my day to day life, I sometimes forget just what a vibrant, special place Barcelona is. And it was especially so during those first months of the 15-M movement. I never spent a full night out in the plaça, but I’ve been to dozens of marches and “assembleas” in the past year and a half, and the energy is still there, though possibly with much more frustration and indignation. The politicians are simply laughing at the people as they descend into poverty. Something will have to give sooner or later.
In the meantime, I will continue to go out on my little safaris, which help to rejuvenate and refresh my love for this great city.

i , too, live in gracia. it was a sad day when the council decided to crackdown on street art. i understand about “tagging” because i don’t feel it has any intrinsic value but street art?! c’mon!! it can actually bring tourism in…i wonder if there is an possibility of creating some discourse about street art in city to encourage, once again, “good” graffiti and street art as an art form?

Thanks for the feedback. I would love for there to be a Renaissance of street art in Barcelona. I think the “Free Walls” initiative is a good one, but I think the zero tolerance attitude which lumps all urban musings as vandalism has had a chilling effect on the once vibrant scene. I’m not sure if the current administration will be able to do anything, as the opposition is especially bitter in the current legislature.
On the other hand “street art” is gaining credibility and is enjoying a high profile, so you never know. Here’s hoping…